Zoloft (Sertraline) Withdrawal Timeline
Compiled from cited sources · not yet medically reviewedUpdated 4 sources
Need help now? SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free, confidential and open 24/7 in English and Spanish: 1-800-662-4357. In a mental health crisis, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911.
For information only, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before stopping or changing any medication. Medical disclaimer
⚠ Medical warning
Don’t stop sertraline suddenly or change your dose without talking to your doctor. Your doctor can reduce it gradually over weeks or months. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now.
Quick answer
Sertraline (Zoloft) discontinuation symptoms usually start within a few days of stopping or lowering the dose. The patient leaflet says they’re usually mild and go away within 2 weeks, but for some people they can be severe or last 2 to 3 months or more. The NHS advises reducing the dose gradually over several weeks or months with your doctor.
Sertraline withdrawal timeline at a glance
When did you last use or take it?
⚠ Medical warning (read before using this)
Don’t stop sertraline suddenly or change your dose without talking to your doctor. Your doctor can reduce it gradually over weeks or months. If you have thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 now.
This places the typical ranges from this article's sources on your date. It is not a prediction or a diagnosis, and being past a phase does not mean symptoms or risks are over.
A rough guide from published sources, not medical advice. Everyone is different.
| Phase | When | What you may feel | Severity | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onset | Within a few days of stopping or lowering the dose | Dizziness; Sleep disturbances; Nausea; Headache | Mild | — |
| Most noticeable | First 1 to 2 weeks | Dizziness, numbness or pins and needles; Agitation or anxiety; Nausea or vomiting; Shaking; Headache, sleep problems | Moderate | Thoughts of suicide or self-harm: call or text 988 now; Return of depression or anxiety symptoms |
| Prolonged (some people) | 2 to 3 months or more in some people | Symptoms that persist or come and go | Moderate | Symptoms severe enough to affect daily life: talk to your doctor |
Print a daily symptom log for this timeline · My quit tracker
Symptoms, phase by phase
The sertraline patient leaflet lists common discontinuation symptoms: dizziness, numbness, sleep disturbances, agitation or anxiety, headaches, feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting) and shaking. It notes they’re usually mild to moderate and usually go away within 2 weeks.
Onset: Within a few days of stopping or lowering the dose
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- Headache
Most noticeable: First 1 to 2 weeks
- Dizziness, numbness or pins and needles
- Agitation or anxiety
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shaking
- Headache, sleep problems
Prolonged (some people): 2 to 3 months or more in some people
- Symptoms that persist or come and go
What makes withdrawal longer or shorter
- Stopping suddenly vs tapering. Gradual reduction lowers the risk.
- Dose and how long you’ve taken it.
- Missed doses can cause symptoms too.
When to see a doctor or get help now
- Before stopping or changing your dose.
- If symptoms are severe or don’t go away.
- If your depression or anxiety comes back.
- Thoughts of suicide: call or text 988 now.
Not sure where to start? Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline at 1-800-662-4357, 24/7. See Get Help.
Tapering
The NHS says your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over several weeks or months. If symptoms are hard to manage, your doctor may slow the taper.
Tips for getting through it
- Follow your doctor’s taper plan
- Keep track of symptoms to share with your doctor
- Be careful standing up or driving if you feel dizzy
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zoloft withdrawal last?
Usually less than 2 weeks, but some people have symptoms for 2 to 3 months or more.
Is it withdrawal or my depression coming back?
They can look alike. Talk to your doctor, who can help tell them apart.
Next steps
- Track your dayEnter when you stopped to see where you are on the timeline
- Combine timelinesAdd other things you are stopping and see them on one chart
- Talk to othersAsk questions on our community forum (peer support, not medical advice)
- Read nextLexapro Withdrawal Timeline
- Get helpFree, confidential helplines and when to see a doctor
Talk to others going through it. Share your experience or ask questions on the Antidepressants & Other Prescriptions board in our community forum. Forum posts are personal experiences, not medical advice. Please read the community guidelines.
Related timelines
- Lexapro Withdrawal Timeline
- Effexor (Venlafaxine) Withdrawal Timeline
- Brain Zaps: Why They Happen and How Long They Last
- Antidepressant (SSRI/SNRI) Withdrawal: The Complete Guide
Sources
- Sertraline patient information leaflet (electronic medicines compendium, product 5760)
- NHS: Sertraline
- FDA-approved label: ZOLOFT (sertraline), via DailyMed
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine): Sertraline
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026. Researched and written by Withdrawal Timelines from the cited sources. This article has not yet been reviewed by a medical professional. See How We Review and our Medical Disclaimer. This is general information, not medical advice.
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